Proposed liquor store draws divided vote

ALBANY, GA (WALB) –A vote by Albany city commissioners Tuesday night could prevent a businessman from opening a liquor store near Albany State University even though the business meets all the legal requirements set out by the city.

The owner of APH Enterprises wants to tear down an abandoned restaurant near the ASU campus to build a liquor store.

ASU students, school officials and alumni along with local church leaders packed the city commission meeting to oppose the business.

Dozens of others supporting the establishment wore T-shirts urging commissioners to leaders to 'Vote Yes' to approve an alcohol business license.

The hearing dragged on for two hours before commissioners voted 4-3 to send the case to a denial hearing.

Prior to the vote, ASU President J. Everett Freeman told commissioners he didn't want the liquor store near his campus saying it was his job to protect the students.

He was followed by Chris Cohilas, attorney for APH Enterprises, who explained that Jax Package Store met all the necessary requirements to set up shop at the proposed location and would, in turn, replace an abandoned building.